Vehicle cargo bed extender

ABSTRACT

An improved truck bed extender particularly adapted for ease of installation and removal. When not being used to extend the truck bed, the extender is advantageously adapted to quickly and easily create a secondary storage area. In one embodiment, the extender includes a first side wall, a second side wall, a connecting wall, a first mount and a second mount. The connecting wall extends between the first side wall and the second side wall, and cooperates with the first side wall and second side wall to form a generally U-shape frame. The first mount is secured to the first side wall and includes a first interlocking member. The second mount is secured to the second side wall and comprises a second interlocking member. The first interlocking member and the first mounting station on the vehicle and the second interlocking member and the second mounting station on the vehicle cooperate to secure the truck bed extender to the vehicle so that the extender is rotatable about an axis between a first and a second position. In the first position, the connecting wall is in an upright position over the tailgate beyond the rear end of the bed. In the second position, the connecting wall is in an upright position spaced forward from the rear end of the bed and the tailgate.

This application is a continuation of prior U.S. patent application Ser.No. 10/171,456, filed Jun. 11, 2002, which issued as U.S. Pat. No.6,805,392, which is a continuation of prior U.S. patent application Ser.No. 09/524,332, filed Mar. 13, 2000, which issued as U.S. Pat. No.6,402,215, which is a continuation of prior U.S. patent application Ser.No. 09/347,472, filed Jul. 2, 1999 and abandoned, which claims thebenefit of prior U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.60/091,623, filed Jul. 2, 1998, and is a continuation-in-part of priorU.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/022,951, filed Feb. 12, 1998, andabandoned, which claims the benefit of prior U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/063,784, filed Oct. 31, 1997, and is acontinuation-in-part of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No.08/924,230, filed Sep. 5, 1997, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,113,173and which is a continuation of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No.08/651,921, filed on May. 21, 1996, which issued as U.S. Pat. No.5,700,047.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pick-up trucks are extremely popular. One of their primary advantages isthe ability to haul loads in the storage bed located behind the cab ofthe vehicle. Unfortunately, often the storage bed is of an undesirableconfiguration for the load being transported. In particular, it is notunusual for the load to be larger than the truck bed, so that thetailgate of the truck needs to be lowered to enable the load toadequately transferred. Unfortunately, this raises the risk that theload will fall out of the back of the truck, or that the load will needto be tied down, taking additional time.

For this reason, various truck bed extenders have been developed. Theseextenders are typically mounted to the truck bed by brackets or hinges.Truck bed extenders often comprise a series of light weight panelsdesigned to be foldable to minimize their impact on storage space whennot in use, as is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,472,639 to Bianchi.Alternatively, the truck bed extenders may comprise strong, butrelatively heavy and nonfoldable units, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 4,778,213 to Palmer. Palmer discloses extended side supports securedto the tailgate by brackets or welding and a supplemental tailgate. Whenthe main tailgate is closed, the supplemental tailgate extends over thetop of the vehicle's storage bed. It is disclosed that a flexiblenetting may be secured to the right and left supports so that thenetting extends in a vertical plane to form a storage box.

There remains, however, a need for an improved truck bed extender.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an improved truck bed extender which isparticularly adapted for ease of installation and removal. When notbeing used to extend the truck bed, the extender is advantageouslyadapted to quickly and easily create a secondary storage area. Anotheraspect of the invention is a method for utilizing a truck bed extender.

One aspect of the invention is a truck bed extender for use with avehicle having an open storage bed having a rear end, a first upstandingside panel to one side of the bed, a second upstanding side panel to anopposite side of the bed, and a tailgate, wherein the first upstandingpanel defines a first mounting station and the second upstanding paneldefines a second mounting station. The extender has a first side wall, asecond side wall, a connecting wall, a first mount and a second mountingmount. The connecting wall extends between the first side wall and thesecond side wall, and cooperates with the first side wall and secondside wall to form a generally U-shaped frame. The first mount is securedto the first side wall and includes a first interlocking member. Thesecond mount is secured to the second side wall and comprising a secondinterlocking member. The first interlocking member and the firstmounting station and the second interlocking member and the secondmounting station cooperate to secure the truck bed extender to thevehicle so that the extender is rotatable about an axis between a firstposition and a second position. In the first position, the connectingwall is in an upright position over the tailgate rearward of the rearend of the bed. In the second position, the connecting wall is in anupright position spaced forward from the rear end of the bed and thetailgate.

Advantageously, the first mounting station comprises a first apertureand the second mounting station comprises a second aperture and thefirst interlocking member is a retractable male member sized and shapedto be received and retained within the first aperture and the secondinterlocking member is a retractable male member sized and shaped to bereceived and retained within the second aperture. An important aspect ofthe invention is that the connecting wall desirably comprises at leasttwo interconnecting sections which are slidable relative one anotherpermitting the horizontal span of the connecting wall to be adjusted tocorrespond to the particular width of the truck bed. Effective truck bedwidths can vary between manufacturers and vary depending on whether atruck bed protector has been installed. Advantageously, the extender'sadjustability desirably permits the identical extender to be used withmost truck beds, at least in a given size classification.

The extender may also comprise a first L-shaped section defining thefirst side wall and a first portion of the connecting wall and a secondL-shaped section defining the second side wall and a second portion ofthe connecting wall. Advantageously, these L-shaped portionssignificantly increase the strength and rigidity of the extender,enhancing its ability to withstand bumping by heavy cargo, such asmotorcycles, as well as external impact.

Yet another important aspect of the invention is at least one bucklesecured to one of the walls sized and shaped to be releasably locked tothe latch of the vehicle tailgate. Significantly, the buckle provides asupplemental attachment point which minimizes movement and vibration ofthe extender while driving and is quickly releasable by using thevehicle tailgate's own opening mechanism.

Another aspect of the invention is a truck bed extender for use with avehicle having a storage bed. The extender includes a first side wall, asecond side wall, a connecting wall, a first mount and a second mount.The connecting wall extends between the first wall and the second walland cooperates with the first wall and second wall to form a generalU-shaped frame. The first mount is secured to the first side wall andincludes a first interlocking member. The second mount is secured to thesecond wall and includes a second interlocking member. The extender issecurable to the vehicle through cooperation of the first interlockingmember and the first mounting station and the second interlocking memberand the second mounting station in a first position wherein theconnecting wall is in an upright position over the tailgate rearward ofthe rear end of the storage bed and a second position wherein theconnecting wall is in an upright position spaced forward from the rearend of the bed and the tailgate.

Yet another important aspect of the invention is a truck bed extenderfor use with a vehicle having a first side panel defining a firstforward mounting station and a first rearward mounting station, and asecond panel defining a second forward mounting station and a secondrearward mounting station, wherein the extender includes a first sidewall, a second side wall, a connecting wall, a first mount and a secondmount. The connecting wall extends between the first side wall and thesecond side wall, and cooperates with the first side wall and the secondside wall to form a generally U-shaped frame. The first mount is securedto the first side wall and includes a first interlocking member. Thesecond mount is secured to the second side wall and comprises a secondinterlocking member. The extender is securable to the vehicle throughcooperation of: (1) the first interlocking member and the first forwardstation and the second interlocking member and the second forwardstation in a first position wherein the first side wall and the secondside wall extend forward of the connecting wall and the connecting wallis in an upright position spaced rearward from the front panel, and (2)the first interlocking member and the first rearward station, and thesecond interlocking member and the second rearward station in a secondposition wherein the connecting wall is in an upright position spacedrearward from the rear end of the bed over the tailgate.

Desirably, the extender is also securable to the vehicle throughcooperation of the first interlocking member and the first rearwardstation and the second interlocking member and the second rearwardstation in a third position, wherein the connecting wall is in anupright position spaced forward from the rear end of the bed and thetailgate.

As will be readily apparent to one of skill in the art, another aspectof the invention is a method of mounting a truck bed extender on avehicle.

Yet another aspect of the invention is a truck bed extender for use witha vehicle having an open storage bed having a rear end, a firstupstanding side panel to one side of the bed having an inner side, asecond upstanding side panel to the opposite side of the bed having aninner side, and a tailgate. A first mounting station fixed with respectto the first upstanding panel defines a first station surface and asecond mounting station fixed with respect to a second upstanding paneldefines a second station surface. The bed extender comprises a firstsidewall, a second sidewall, a connecting wall, a first mount and asecond mount. The connecting wall extends between the first sidewall andthe second sidewall. The first sidewall, the second sidewall and theconnecting wall cooperate to form generally u-shape frame having a firstopen side and a second open side. The first mount is on the firstsidewall and comprises a first interlocking member defining a firstmount surface. The second mount is on the second sidewall and comprisesa second interlocking member defining a second mount surface. The firststation surface and the first mount surface, and the second stationsurface and the first mount surface cooperate to secure the apparatus tothe vehicle so that the apparatus is in an upright position over thetailgate rearward of the rear end of the bed with the first open sidefacing away from the tailgate and the second open side facing toward thetailgate. One of the first station surface and the first mount surfacedefines a first opening through which the other of the first stationsurface and the first mount surface can be manually withdrawn from theinner side of the first panel to disengage the extender from the firstpanel. One of the second station surface and the second mount surfacedefines the second opening through which the other of the second stationsurface and the second mount surface can be manually withdrawn from theinner side of the second panel to disengage the extender from the secondpanel.

Desirably, the extender is rotatable about an axis between a firstposition wherein the connecting wall is in a substantially verticalposition over the tailgate rearward of the rear end of the bed and thefirst mount cooperates with the first station and the second mountcooperates with the second station to secure the assembly againstmovement radial to the axis, and a second position wherein theconnecting wall is in a nonvertical position and the first mountcooperates with the first station and the second mount cooperates withthe second station to permit the assembly to be moved full radially withrespect to the axis.

Another aspect of the invention is a method for an individual to mount avehicle bed extender on a vehicle without tools including: ( ) aligninga first mount fixed with respect to the extender with a first spacedefined by the first station and aligning a second mount fixed withrespect to the extender with a second space defined by the secondstation; ( ) moving the bed extender such that the first mount movesradially through the first space with respect to an axis defined by thefirst station and the second station and the second mount moves radiallywith respect to the axis through the second space; and ( ) pivoting theextender about the axis so that the first mount cooperates with thefirst station and the second mount cooperates with the second station toprevent radial movement of the first mount with respect to the axis andthe second mount with respect to the axis.

Yet another aspect of the invention is the method for an individual tomount a vehicle bed extender on a vehicle without tools, including: ( )grasping the bed extender in the first location with one hand; ( )grasping the bed extender in a second location spaced from the firstlocation with another hand; ( ) while continuing to grasp the extenderwith the first hand and the second hand, aligning the first mount with afirst space defined by the first station and aligning a second mountwith a second space defined by the second station; and

( ) while continuing to grasp the extender with the first hand and thesecond hand, moving the bed extender such that the first mount movesthrough the first space defined by the first station and the secondmount moves through the second space defined by the second station.

Yet another aspect of the invention is the truck bed extender for usewith a vehicle having an open storage bed having a rear end, a firststanding side panel to one side of the bed, a second upstanding sidepanel to an opposite side of the bed and a tailgate, a first mountingstation fixed with respect to the first upstanding panel defining afirst station surface and a second mounting station fixed with respectto the second upstanding panel defining a second station surface. Theextender includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a connecting wallextending between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, a firstmount secured to the first sidewall, and a second mount secured to thesecond sidewall. The first sidewall of the second sidewall and theconnecting wall cooperate to form a generally u-shaped frame. The firstmount defines a first mount surface and the second mount defines asecond mount surface. The first station surface and the first mountsurface, and the second station surface and the first mount surfacecooperate to secure the apparatus to the vehicle so that the connectingwall is in an upright position over the tailgate rearward of the rearend of the bed. The tailgate defines a latch to secure the tailgate toat least one of the first upstanding panel and the second upstandingpanel. The truck bed extender further includes at least one interlockmember secured to one of the walls sized and shaped to be releasablycaptured by the latch of the tailgate. Desirably, the interlock membercomprises a buckle or a cylindrical interlock portion rigidly secured tothe connecting wall. Significantly, this stabilizes the tailgate againstmovement when the vehicle strikes an object, such as a speed bump.

Yet another aspect of the invention is a truck bed extender for use withthe vehicle having an open storage bed having a rear end, a firstupstanding side panel to one side of the bed, a second upstanding sidepanel to an opposite side of the bed and a tailgate, a first forwardmounting station fixed with respect to the first panel, a second forwardmounting station fixed with respect to the second panel, a firstrearward mounting station fixed with respect to the first panel and asecond rearward mounting station fixed with respect to the second panel.The apparatus includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a connectingwall extending between a first sidewall and the second sidewall, a firstmount secured to the first sidewall and the second mounts secured to thesecond sidewall. The first sidewall, and the second sidewall and theconnecting wall cooperate to form a generally u-shaped frame. The firstmount comprises a first interlocking member and the second mountcomprises a second interlocking member. The extender is mountable in afirst position wherein the connecting wall is in a substantiallyvertical position spaced above the tailgate rearward of said rear end ofsaid bed, and a second position wherein the connecting wall is in asubstantially vertical position forward of the rear end of the bed andspaced above the rear end of the bed.

Finally, yet another aspect of the invention is the truck bed extenderfor use with the vehicle having an open storage bed having an open end,first upstanding side panel to one side of the bed having an inner sidehaving a lower end and an upper end, a second upstanding side panel toan opposite side of the bed having an inner side and a tailgate, a firstmounting station fixed with respect to the first upstanding paneldefining a first station surface, and a second mounting station fixedwith respect to the second upstanding panel defining a second stationsurface. The apparatus includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, aconnecting wall extending between the first sidewall and the secondsidewall, a first mount on the first sidewall and a second mount on thesecond sidewall. The first sidewall, the second sidewall and theconnecting wall cooperate to form a generally u-shape frame having afirst open side and a second open side. The first mount comprises afirst interlocking member defining a first mount surface and the secondmount comprises a second interlocking member defining a second mountsurface. The first station surface and the first mount surface, and thesecond station surface and the first mount surface cooperate to securethe apparatus to the vehicle so that the apparatus is in an uprightposition over the tailgate rearward of the rear end of the bed with thefirst open side facing away from the tailgate and the second open sidefacing toward the tailgate. One of the first station surface and thefirst mount surface defines a first opening through which the other ofthe first station surface and the first mount surface can be withdrawnfrom the inner side of the first panel to disengage the extender fromthe first panel. One of the second station surface and the second mountsurface defines a second opening through which the other of the secondstation surface and the second mount surface can be withdrawn from theinner side of the second panel to disengage the extender from the secondpanel. The first mount forms a single piece with a portion of the wallextending at least the majority of the distance between the upper endand the lower end of the first panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the invention will now be described inconnection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the truck bedextender of the present invention mounted on a vehicle in a firstposition.

FIG. 2 is a enlarged partial perspective view of the vehicle and truckbed extender of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of the mount of the truck bedextender of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a belt and buckle lockingdevice of the truck bed extender of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view illustrating the pivoting of thetruck bed extender of FIG. 1 from a first position (shown in phantom) toa second position.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the truck bed extender and vehicle of FIG.1 in a second position.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the truck bed extender of FIG. 1illustrating its use as a bench.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the truck bed extender and vehicle ofFIG. 1 showing the truck bed extender in a third position.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a female element or bracket of amounting mechanism for the extender, in accordance with a secondpreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of the bracket of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the bracket of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a mount, including a male element, ofthe mounting mechanism of the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a combination mount and strut inaccordance with a third preferred embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an end elevational view of a male element of the mount andstrut of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a front elevational view of an alternative female element orbracket for use with the mounts of FIGS. 12 or 13.

FIG. 16 is front elevational view of another alternative female elementor bracket for use with the mounts of FIGS. 12 or 13.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the bracket of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a enlarged partial perspective view of a vehicle andalternative bed extender.

FIG. 19 is a top plan view of the bed extender of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a front elevational view of the bed extender of FIG. 18.

FIGS. 21–25 are schematic views illustrating the mounting of theextender of FIG. 18.

FIGS. 21 a–25 a are corresponding schematic views illustrating theposition of the bracket and male member during the mounting of theextender of FIG. 18.

FIG. 26 illustrates an alternative mount, which avoids the need fordrilling of additional holes in the vehicle.

FIGS. 27 a–27 b illustrate an alternative connector having a buckleconfiguration.

FIGS. 28–33 illustrate an alternative connector.

FIGS. 34–37 illustrate an alternative holder pair.

FIGS. 38–41 illustrate an alternative bracket and combination mount,strut and interlock.

FIGS. 42–45 are corresponding schematic views of the bracket, upperholder, latch and interlock of FIG. 38.

FIGS. 46 and 47 illustrate the mounting of the extender of FIG. 18 usingan alternative fastener.

FIGS. 48–50 illustrate the alternative fastener of FIGS. 46 and 47.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The preferred embodiment of a multi-purpose apparatus or truck bedextender 11 will now be described with reference to the FIGS. Referringto FIGS. 1 and 2, the truck bed extender 11 is shown mounted on a truck13 having a cab 15 to the rear of which is a storage bed 17. The storagebed 17 has a front end 19 and a rear end 21. The front end 19 of thestorage bed is defined by a front upstanding panel 23 and the sides ofthe storage bed are defined by a first side upstanding panel 25 and asecond side upstanding panel 27. The first side upstanding panel 25defines a first forward mounting station or aperture 29 and a firstrearward mounting station or aperture 31 (FIG. 3), the purpose andlocation of which will be discussed in greater detail below. Likewise,the second side upstanding panel 27 defines a second forward aperture(not shown) and a second rearward aperture (not shown).

At the rear end 21 of the storage bed 17 is a tailgate 37. The tailgatehas a hinge end 39 and a distal end 41. The tailgate 37 defines a planarinner surface 43 extending between the hinge end 39 and distal end 41 ofthe tailgate. The tailgate 37 further comprises a first lock mechanism(not shown) which mates with a first latch 47 mounted on the rear end ofthe first upstanding panel 23. A tailgate 37 further includes a secondlock mechanism 49 which interlocks with a second latch (not shown)mounted on the second side upstanding panel 27. The first lock mechanismand second lock mechanism 49 are selectably releasable by means of arelease actuator (not shown) mounted at the outer surface of the distalend of the tailgate.

The truck bed extender 11 includes a frame 53 having a first side wall55, a second side wall 57 and a connecting wall 59 extending between thefirst side wall 55 and second side wall 57. The frame 53 and, therefore,the connecting wall 59 define a horizontal span H which is slightly lessthan the distance between the first side upstanding panel 25 and secondside upstanding panel 27 of the truck 13. The frame 53 is formed by afirst L-shaped section 61, a second L-shaped section 63 and a pluralityof connecting sections 65.

Both L-shaped sections 61, 63 comprise a generally L-shaped uppercross-beam 67, a generally L-shaped lower cross-beam 69 and a generallyL-shaped middle cross-beam 71. Advantageously, each cross-beam comprisesa single piece of 1.5 inch outer diameter, 0.058 inch wall thickness,6061-T6 aluminum tubing.

The cross-beams 67, 69 and 71 are advantageously connected by an outervertical strut 73, an inner vertical strut 75 and a middle verticalstrut 77. The struts 73, 75, 77 desirably extend through mating openingsin the cross-beams 67, 69, 71 and comprise one inch outer diameter,0.058 inch wall thickness, 6061-T6 aluminum tubing. The use of angledaluminum tubing provides for high strength, low weight and ease ofmanufacture.

As shown in FIG. 2, the inner strut 75 and middle strut 77 are desirablypositioned along the connecting wall 59 and the outer strut 73 isdesirably positioned along the distal end of the side wall.Advantageously, the inner strut 75 is longer than the other struts andprojects downward from the lower crossbeam 69 so as to define an innerstrut foot 79.

The first L-shaped section 61 and second L-shaped section 63 areconnected by the plurality of connecting sections 65. Specifically,there is an upper connecting section, a lower connecting section and amiddle connecting section. Desirably, the connecting sections comprise a7 inch long, 1⅜ inch outer diameter, 0.058 inch wall thickness, 6061-T 6aluminum tube. The connecting sections are slidable within and,desirably forms a slip-fit with, the first L-shaped section 61 andsecond L-shaped section 63, and are each desirably locked in place by apair of locking screws 87.

Approximately ⅝ inch from the outer end of each middle crossbeam 71 is a0.328 inch diameter horizontal bore mounted over the middle crossbeam 71aligned with the bore is a mount 91 having a body 93 which defines athroughbore. The body has an annular middle portion with generallydiametrically opposed cylindrical projections corresponding to thethroughbore. The mounts 91 are secured respectively to the firstL-shaped section and second L-shaped section so that the throughboresare coaxially aligned. The mount 91 further includes a generallycylindrical male member 95 having a cone-shaped engagement end 97 and anactuating end 99. A handle 101 is threaded on the actuating end 99 andthe male member 95 is mounted for reciprocal movement within the body bya spring 103 surrounding the male member within the body 93 of themount. The precompressed spring desirably has one end biased against thebody 93 of the mount and another end which is biased against a washer105 which is secured against outward movement relative the male member95 by a C clip 107. Referring now to FIG. 2, a buckle 109 is secured toeach of the lower crossbeams 69 by means of a strap 111. As shown inFIG. 4, the buckle 109 is generally rectangular with a narrower upperportion and a wider lower portion. The buckle 109 desirably forms a pairof parallel slots 113 for receiving the strap 111 and a larger opening115 for mating with one of the lock mechanisms 49 of the vehicle.

The installation and operation of the truck bed extender 11 will now bedescribed.

When it is desired to ready a vehicle for use with the truck bedextender 11, the truck bed extender 11 can be placed in the desiredposition on the tailgate 37 so that the distal end of the first sidewall 55 and distal end of the second side wall 57 extend along the innersurface of the rear end of the first side upstanding panel 25 and thesecond side upstanding panel 27, respectively. When the truck bedextender 11 is in the desired position, its width can be adjusted bysliding the first or second L-shaped sections 61 and 63 relative theconnecting section 65 and securing it in position by means of one of thelocking screws 87. Once the extender 11 has been adjusted so that it hasthe desired horizontal span H, the handle 101 of each of the mounts 91can be pressed outward so that the engagement end 97 of the male member95 presses hard against the respective first side upstanding panel 25and second side upstanding panel 27 to mark the location for drillingthe first rearward aperture 31 and second rearward aperture 35. Thisapproach eliminates difficulties in determining the proper position ofthe apertures 31 and 35. Once the first rearward aperture 31 and secondrearward aperture 35 are drilled into the first side upstanding panel 25and second side upstanding panel 27, respectively, the truck bedextender 11 is ready for operation. Importantly, no additional bracketsor modifications are required, so that when the truck bed extender isnot in use, there are no brackets in the way, and virtually no cosmeticchange to the appearance of the truck 13.

In use, the truck bed extender is simply positioned on the tailgate 37so that the engagement ends 97 of the mounts 91 extend through therespective first rearward mounting station or aperture 31 and secondrearward mounting station or aperture (not shown). The surface of eachmount 91 (mount surface) engages the surface of each mounting station 31(station surface). In this position, the truck bed extender provides astrong, secure retaining device while the openings between therespective crossbeams and struts permit the flow of air to minimize airresistance. If it is desired to remove the truck bed extender 11, thehandles 101 secured to each of the male members 95 are simply pulledinward causing engagement ends 97 of the male members 95 to retract fromthe first rearward aperture 31 and second rearward aperture 35 and thetruck bed extender can be removed.

As disclosed herein, while only one mount 91 is illustrated and labelledin the Figures, the bed extender comprises two mounts, one on each side.For ease of understanding, in this paragraph the illustrated mount 91 isreferred to as a first mount 91, while the mount that is not shown isreferred to as a second mount. Similarly for ease of understanding, themounting station to which the first mount 91 is attached, asillustrated, is referred to as a first mounting station, and themounting station that is not shown is referred to as a second mountingstation. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the bed extender can be installedsuch that the first mount 91 aligns with and engages the first mountingstation 31 and the second mount aligns with and engages the secondmounting station. FIGS. 1–6 make it apparent, however, to a person ofordinary skill in the art, that the first mount 91 can just as easily bealigned with and engage the second mount station, and the second mountcan just as easily be aligned with and engage the first mounting station31. It is apparent from FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6 that the first mount 91 islocated at the same vertical distance from the truck bed whether thefirst mount 91 is positioned near the first mounting station or whetherthe first mount 91 is positioned near the second mounting station byrotating the bed extender horizontally 180 degrees. Furthermore, it isapparent from FIG. 3 that the mounts 91 are symmetrical and accordinglycan engage either of the mounting stations. Accordingly, it is apparent,from FIGS. 1–6, to a person of ordinary skill in the art, that one candetach the bed extender, rotate the bed extender horizontally 180degrees such that the first mount 91 and the second mount switch sides,and install the bed extender such that the first mount 91 engages thesecond mounting station and the second mount engages the first mountingstation 31.

The truck bed extender can be further secured against undesired rotationabout the mounts 91 by means of the buckle 109 and strap 111, by simplysecuring the buckles 109 in the first lock mechanism (not shown) andsecond lock mechanism 49, respectively, of the tailgate 37.Advantageously, the buckles are configured so that they are secured inplace by the lock mechanisms and are selectably releasable by thetailgate's own release actuator.

Importantly, in the event it is desired to use the truck bed extender 11to form a rear storage compartment, as shown in FIG. 5, the truck bedextender can be quickly and easily pivoted about the coaxial malemembers 95 so that the connecting wall 59 is in a vertical positionspaced inward from the rear end 21 of the storage bed 17 and, therefore,the tailgate 37. In this position, the truck bed extender 11 provides aconvenient open upper-ended storage compartment to secure grocery bagsor other items against movement within the truck bed.

Advantageously, the truck bed extender 11 is extremely strong, but atthe same time lightweight. In addition, because its structuralconfiguration lends itself to construction with a minimum of parts, theextender can be manufactured at a relatively low cost.

Advantageously, as shown in FIG. 7, the truck bed extender provides aconvenient work or picnic bench when it is removed from the vehicle.Specifically, when the distal ends of the first side wall 55 and secondside wall 57 are placed on the ground, one or more individuals can siton the connecting wall 59.

Finally, as shown in FIG. 8, the truck bed extender 11 is also capableof forming a forward storage compartment adjacent the cab 15 of thetruck 13. Such a position is often desirable when transporting pets, dueto the proximity to the driver and the wind resistance afforded by thecab 15. If it is desired to use the truck bed extender to form such aforward storage compartment, a first forward aperture 29 and a secondforward aperture (not shown) are desirably formed in the first sideupstanding panel 25 and second side upstanding panel 27, respectively bylocating and drilling the apertures in a manner similar to that of therearward apertures 31 and 35. It is then a simple matter to place thetruck bed extender 11 in position so that the first side wall 55 andsecond side wall 57 extend forward from the connecting wall so that theconnecting wall 59 is spaced rearward from the front upstanding panel 23of the truck 13. Again, removal is easily accomplished by simply pullingthe handles 101 inward so that engagement ends 97 the male members 95are retracted within the mounts 91 so that they are withdrawn from thefirst forward aperture 29 and second forward aperture (not shown).

Referring now to FIGS. 9 to 11, a mounting station, such as a femalemember or bracket 120 is illustrated in accordance with a secondpreferred embodiment. The bracket 120 includes a plurality of screwholes 122 which facilitate mounting the bracket 120 to the panels 25, 27(FIG. 1) of the truck 13. Preferably, four such brackets 120 are mountedby screws through the screw holes 122 to the panels 25, 27 at positionscentered about positions of the forward aperture 29 and rearwardaperture 31 of the first embodiment (FIGS. 1–8).

The mounting station or bracket 120 has an upper edge 124 which definesan aperture or slot with an upper opening and a relatively more narrowlower opening. In the illustrated embodiment, the edge 124 includes apair of generally horizontal upper surfaces 126. A pair of slantedportions 128 extend inwardly and downwardly from the horizontal portion126, each terminating at a cusp 129. A lower curved portion 130 definesa generally circular upper station surface and extends downwardly fromand joins the cusps 129 to one another.

Advantageously, the curved portion 130 defines greater than 180° of acircle, and is illustrated defining about 300° of a circle. Accordingly,the slot defined by the upper edge 124 is more narrow at the cusps 129than at the widest point of the curved portion 130 below.

With reference to FIG. 12, a mount 140 is shown, including a body 142which defines a generally horizontal cylindrical bore. As with the mount91 of the first embodiment (FIG. 3), a mount 140 can be fitted over eachmiddle crossbeam 71 (FIG. 2) approximately ⅝ inch from the outer end.

A male element 144 extends from the body 142. The male element 144, inturn, includes an axle portion 146 and a relatively wider lockingportion 148, illustrated as a disk. The axle portion 146 has twogenerally horizontal, opposed flat sides 150 and two opposed curvedsides 152 (one of each shown). The maximum spacing between the opposedflat sides 150 defines a first width of the axle portion 146. The firstwidth is less than the spacing between the cusps 129 on the bracket 120(FIGS. 9–11). The maximum spacing between the opposed curved sides 152define a second width between them, where the second width is greaterthan the spacing between the cusps 129 on the bracket 120. Preferably,the curved sides 152 have the same curvature as the curved portion 130of the mounting station or bracket 120 (FIGS. 9–11) with a slightlysmaller radius of curvature, such that the surface of the curved sides152 defines a mount surface that engages the station surface of themounting station or bracket 120.

The extender of the second preferred embodiment (not shown) willresemble the extender 11 of FIG. 2, except including a mount 140 at theend of each middle cross-beam. Accordingly, the following discussionwill refer to components of second preferred embodiment by referencenumerals assigned to like components of the first preferred embodiment(FIGS. 1–8).

In mounting the extender 11 to the truck 13 (which already has brackets140 mounted thereto), a user can lift the extender 11 with theconnecting wall 59 facing up and the side walls 55, 57 extendingdownwardly. The axle portions 146 are then aligned with the slots of thebrackets 140. In this position, the flat sides 150 of the axle portions146 are generally vertical. The extender 11 is then lowered. Since thefirst width is narrower than the spacing between the cusps 129 of thebracket 120, each axle portion 146 fits between the cusps 129 of acorresponding bracket 120. The 148 fits into the wider upper openingdefined by the horizontal upper surfaces 126.

As the extender 11 is lowered, a curved side 152 of the male element 144contacts the curved portion 130 of the corresponding female element orbracket 120. The extender 11 is then rotated outward or inward about 90°(see FIG. 5). The curved sides 152 of the axle portions 146 mate withand journal within the curved portion 130 of the bracket 120. When thusrotated, the cusps 129 prevent the axles 146 from lifting out ofbrackets 120, as will be understood by one of skill in the art. Toremove the extender 11, the extender 11 must be rotated until the flatsides 150 of the axle portions 146 are approximately vertical, and canslip past the cusps 129 on the brackets 120.

Advantageously, the extender 11 of the second preferred embodiment canbe installed or removed without retracting any locking mechanism andwithout scratching the paint on the interior of the truck bed 17.Accordingly, the users hands can be used solely to lift and rotate theextender 11.

With reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, a combination mount and strut 140 ais shown with a male element 144 a, which can be similar to the maleelement 144 of FIG. 12. By performing both functions of supporting thecross-beams and mounting the extender, this combination mount and strut140 a can simplify the extender design and reduce part numbers.

With reference to FIG. 15, an alternative female mounting element orbracket 120 b is shown, including an upwardly extending arm 160, a leftscrew hole 162, and right screw hole 164 for mounting the bracket 120 bto a truck panel 27. It will be understood that a second bracket wouldbe provided in a mirror image of that illustrate for the opposite panel25 of the truck. The arm 160 is oriented such that a curved portion 130b (in which a male mounting element can journal) is appropriatelypositioned while the left screw hole 162 aligns with a pre-existingscrew hole in the truck panel 25 or 27, such as the lower hole for thetailgate latch mechanism 47. This arrangement advantageously reduces thenumber of screw holes required to be drilled in the truck panels, whilestill fixing the bracket 120 b in a unique position.

Furthermore, it is possible that the arm 160 could be extended furtherupward, and another screw hole provided in alignment with the upperlatch screw of the tailgate latch mechanism 47, thereby eliminating anyneed for a right screw hole.

FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrated yet another bracket 120 c, having two upperscrew holes 166 and one lower screw hole 168. It will be recognized thatthis arrangement reduces by one the number of screw holes required to bedrilled, relative to the bracket 120 of FIGS. 9–11.

Referring to FIG. 18, an alternative vehicle bed extender 11 b is shownmounted to a truck 13 having a tailgate 37 including a hinge end 39 anda distal end 41 and defining an inner surface 43. The bed extenderincludes a first side wall 169, a second side wall 170, and a connectingwall 171. As with the extender 11 discussed above, the walls are formedby a first L-shaped section 172 and a second L-shaped section 173connected by a plurality of straight connecting sections 174. As in theextender 11 of FIG. 1, the sections are formed from L-shaped andstraight pieces of tubing. Specifically, each L-shaped section includesa first cross beam 175, a second cross beam 176 and a third cross beam177. The cross beams and the straight sections 174 are connected byelongate vertical plastic struts. Significantly, the bed extender 11 bis shown with a first and a second locking strut which is a combinationmount and strut and 78, as previously described in connection with FIG.13. The extender 11 b also includes a first and second latching strut180 which is a combination interlock and strut, a first and secondbumper strut 182 which is a combination bumper and strut, and a firstand second simple strut 184. The struts 178, 180, 182 and 184 eachdefine cylindrical openings for receiving the tubular cross beams. Thestruts 178, 182 and 184 are clamped tightly around the cross beams bymeans of first, second, and third fasteners 186, 188, and 190,respectively. The first and second latch struts 180 define only twohorizontal bores and are secured to only the lower (when the truck bedextender is mounted over the tailgate) two cross members. Each latchstrut 180, or connector, defines an outer side 196 defining a mountingsurface to which is secured a interlock 200 defining an arm portion 202and an interlock portion 204. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.18–25, the interlock portion 204 forms a cylinder. Significantly, thelatch struts 180 and, therefore, the interlock portion 204 is movabletoward the front and rear of the tailgate to ensure proper positioningwith respect to the existing tailgate locking mechanism.

The bumper strut 182 includes a first post 210 extending beyond theupper cross beam 175, which is provided with a first resilient bumper212 and a second post 214 extending below the lower cross member 177,which is provided with a second bumper 216.

Referring to FIG. 20, it will be appreciated that the simple struts 184are positioned so as to cover the seam 218 between the L-shaped crossbeams and the straight connecting sections.

As illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 21–25, the tailgate is provided with afirst and second lock mechanism. As both lock mechanisms are mirrorimages of one another, only the second lock mechanism 222 need bedescribed. The second lock mechanism 222 is positioned within a notch223 in the tailgate. The lock mechanism 222 includes an interlockportion 224, which is controlled by a release actuator 226. As wellknown by those of skill in the art, the release actuator 226 typicallyoperates both the first and the second lock mechanisms. Importantly, thelocking mechanism described is a standard lock mechanism used on thevehicles to releasably secure the tailgate in an upright position. Thus,no customized lock mechanism is required.

Referring again to FIG. 18, a first holder 228 is mounted to the innersurface of the first upstanding panel 25 and a second holder 230 ismounted to the inner surface of the second upstanding panel 27. As thefirst holder 228 and second holder 230 are identical, only the firstholder 228 will be described. The first holder 228 has a body 232 whichis straddled by a pair of L-shaped flanges 234, which are used to spacethe body 232 from the inner surface of the panel 25 and to provide asurface to mount the holder 228 to the panel 25. The holder defines anupper edge 236, which in turn defines a U-shaped slot 238 having anupper open end and a lower closed end. The purpose of the holders 228and 230 will be described in detail below. Referring now to FIGS. 21 and21 a, the bed extender 11 b is shown disconnected from the truck 13. Thebed extender 116 is positioned with the connecting wall 171 beinghorizontal, the open ends of the extender 116 extending downward and themale members of the locking struts 178 being aligned in a vertical planewith the aperture of the bracket 120. Advantageously, the truck bedextender can be easily aligned in this manner by a single person bygrasping the bed extender in two locations spaced on either side of thecenter of gravity of the bed extender. As shown by the arrows in FIGS.21 and 22, the bed extender is then simply lowered vertically downwarduntil the axle portion fits between the cusps 129 of the bracket 120.Similarly, the locking portion fits into the wide opening defined by thehorizontal upper surfaces 126.

When the truck bed extender reaches the position shown in FIGS. 22 and22 a, the extender 11 b can be rotated outward or inward approximately90°. The curved sides 152 of the axle portions 146 mate with and journalwithin the curved portion of the bracket 120. When thus rotated, thecusps prevent the axles 146 from lifting out of the brackets 120, aswill be understood by one of skill in the art.

FIGS. 23 and 23 a show the truck bed extender rotated approximately 60°outward so that the axle portion is secured by the bracket 120.

As will be appreciated by FIGS. 23 and 24, as the bed extender 11 brotates downward, portion 204 of the second interlock 200 is receivedand retained by the interlock portion 224 of the second lock mechanism222 of the Tailgate. Significantly, the vehicle bed extender isconfigured such that the only portions of the bed extender 11 b incontact with the tailgate 37 are the interlocks 200. That is, as bestseen in FIG. 24, when the bed extender is latched to the tailgate withthe connecting wall in an upright position, the side walls 169, 170 andthe connecting wall 171 are spaced above the tailgate 37. The bumperstruts 182 are provided with bumpers only for purposes of cushioning anycontact between the connecting wall and the tailgate, in the event thetailgate is jarred such as when the vehicle strikes a speed bump atexcessive speed. This positioning of the side walls and connecting wallsabove the tailgate prevents undesired vibration and rattling.

When it is desired to close the tailgate, it is a simple matter toactuate the release actuator 226, thereby releasing the interlockportions 204 permitting the extender 11 b to be rotated upward away fromthe tailgate about the pivot axis defined by the brackets 120 either to(1) a position where the connecting wall is parallel to the truck bed,so that the truck bed extender can be removed, by lifting it upward inthe direction opposite to the arrow shown in FIG. 21, or (2) a positionshown in FIGS. 25 and 25 a, where the interlock portion 204 of the bedextender is secured within the slot 238 of the holder 230. Again, as thebed extender is secured by the holders 228 and 230 above the vehiclebed, vibration and rattling is minimized. As shown in FIG. 25, in thisposition, the tailgate can be closed and latched in the usual manner.Referring now to FIG. 26, an alternative bracket 240 is illustrated.Significantly, the bracket 240 can be mounted on the vehicle solelythrough the use of an existing fastener 254 used to secure a tailgatesafety cable 256 to the side panel 25 of the truck. The first bracket240 includes a first section 242 extending parallel to the length of thetruck, a second section 244 extending perpendicular to the first sectionand a third section 246 extending parallel to the first section andperpendicular to the second section. The first section 242 defines aconnector hole 250 for receiving the fastener 254 used to mount theinner end of the tailgate safety cable 256 to the panel.

Advantageously, due to the configuration of the first bracket 240, noadditional fasteners are required to securely mount the bracket 240 tothe vehicle. Significantly, the sections cooperate to prevent therotation of the bracket about the axis of the connector hole 250 whenthe bracket 240 is mounted on the vehicle.

FIGS. 27 a and 27 b illustrate an alternative bed extender 11 c having alatching strut 260 including an interlock arm 262 having an interlockportion 264 defining a buckle arrangement. This interlock is used inconnection with the other major form of standard tailgate lockingmechanism, well known to those of skill in the art. Advantageously, theinterlock portion 264 provides the only contact between the extender 11c and the tailgate, thereby minimizing vibration and rattling.

FIGS. 28–33 illustrate an alternative connector 270 adapted to besecured to only the lower crossbeam of a bed extender 11 d. Theconnector 270 includes a bracket 271 and an interlock having an arm 272and an interlock portion 274/ The bracket 271 includes a base 276 and aclamp 278 secured to the base by fasteners. As with the latch struts180, 260 described above, the connector has the advantage of beingmovable toward the front and rear of the tailgate to ensure properpositioning with respect to the existing tailgate latch mechanism.

FIGS. 34–37 illustrate holders 280, 282 mountable to the inner surfaceof the side panels to mate with and retain the interlock portion of aconnector, such as the latch strut 180.

FIGS. 38–41 illustrate an alternative bracket 290 and an alternativecombination first and second interlock and strut 300 which operates inthe same general manner as the bracket and combination interlock andstrut illustrated in FIGS. 18–26, with the notable exceptions that theholder is integrally formed with the mount and strut, and the holder isprovided with a lock mechanism, as will be described in detail below. Itis apparent from this disclosure and FIG. 38, to a person of ordinaryskill in the art, that the integrally formed upper holder portion 304and lower raised station portion 306 can form a single piece with thespacing flange 308.

Referring now to FIGS. 38 and 39, the elongate bracket 290 is providedwith a screwhole 302 at each end. The bracket includes an upper raisedholder portion 304 and a lower raised station portion 306. The upperholder portion 304 and lower station portion 306 are separated byspacing flange 308. An upper mounting flange 310 which defines the upperscrewhole 302 is provided above the upper holder portion 304. A lowermounting flange 312 defining the lower screwhole 302 is provided belowthe lower station portion 306.

The lower station portion 306 forms an aperture 316 defined by an upperedge 318. The upper edge 318 includes an arcuate portion 320 whichdefines a pivot surface and a pair of slanted portions 322 which definea pair of guiding surfaces. As in prior designs, the upper spacing wall323 of the lower station portion 306 defines an opening for receivingthe larger end portion of a male member, as will be described below.

The upper holder portion 304 is similarly spaced outward from theflanges 308, 310 and 312. The upper holder portion 304 includes an edge324 which defines a U-shaped slot 326 having an open end 328 and aclosed end 330. A latch 332 is mounted to the upper holder portion 304by pivot pin 334.

As best seen in FIG. 40, the latch 332 has a generally C-shaped body 336and a release arm or lever 338. The body 336 further defines a mountinghole 340 opposite the release arm 338. Between the release arm 338 andthe mounting hole 340 is a generally U-shaped slot 342 including an openend and a closed end. The slot is formed by an edge which defines alocking surface 348 and an engagement surface 350.

Referring now to FIG. 41, the combination first and second interlock andstrut 300 will now be described. The combination first and secondinterlock and strut 300 has the same general configuration as thecombination interlock and strut 140 a illustrated in FIG. 13, withcertain exceptions. Specifically, the strut 300 includes three openings352 to receive the cross beams, and includes a first male member 354similar to the male element 144 previously described in connection withFIG. 12. The combination first and second interlock and strut 300differs from the combination interlock and strut of FIGS. 13–14 in thatit includes a second male member 356 extending from near the upper endof the combination first and second interlock and strut. The second malemember 356 includes a larger disc-shaped outer end portion 358 and asmaller cylindrical middle portion 360. The middle portion 360 defines acylindrical engagement surface 362.

A truck bed extender utilizing the combination first and secondinterlock and strut 300 and the bracket 290 is operated in a manner verysimilar to that previously described in connection with the extender,bracket and holder of FIGS. 18–26. As will be appreciated by one ofskill in the art, however, the bracket 290 is mounted on the insidevertical surface of one of the upright panels of the vehicle, such assecond panel 27, so that the lower station portion is positioned in thesame location as the station portion of the bracket 120. Advantageously,because the upper holder portion and lower station portion are formed asa single piece, the holder portion need not be separately positioned andmounted.

Another advantage of this design is illustrated in FIGS. 42–45, whichshow an enlarged view of that which has already been described in FIG.38. When the truck bed extender is rotated to the position shown in FIG.24, in addition to being locked against radial movement about the pivotaxis by the lower station portion 306 as shown in FIG. 38, thecylindrical engagement surface 362 of the smaller middle portion 360 ofthe second male member 356, seen in FIG. 38, enters into the open end328 of the U-shaped slot 326 and presses against the body 336 of thelatch 332. This causes the latch 332 to rotate about the pivot pin 334as seen in FIGS. 43 and 44 and in phantom in FIG. 38 until thecylindrical engagement surface is locked in place by the latch 332, asillustrated in FIG. 45. Specifically, the locking surface 348 of thebody 336 of the latch 332 prevents the cylindrical engagement surface362 of the second male member 356, as seen in FIG. 38, from beingremoved through the open end 328 of the slot 326 of the upper holderportion 304.

When it is desired to release the lock and rotate the truck bed extenderso that it is in the position shown in FIG. 25, the release arm 338 ofthe latch 332 is pushed toward the upper holder portion 304 which, dueto its configuration, causes the latch 332 to pivot about the pivot pin334 as shown in phantom in FIG. 38. Advantageously, the release of thislock member can be achieved through the use of a single finger.

As will be appreciated, this arrangement provides a number ofsignificant advantages. As discussed above, the use of a single piece todefine both the holder and station avoid the need for a separatepositioning and mounting operation. Further, the use of a separate lockavoids potential wear and tear on the tailgate latch mechanism.Importantly, the automatic nature of the lock ensures that when thetruck bed extender is rotated into position over the tailgate, with theconnecting wall in a vertical position, the truck bed extender will belocked in place automatically. This essentially eliminates the need forthe user to remember to lock the extender into position over thetailgate. Advantageously, the connecting wall of the truck bed extenderis locked so as to be spaced above the tailgate avoiding vibration. Atthe same time, because the extender locks into position, the truck bedextender secures the tailgate against significant upward movement in theevent the vehicle rides over a large bump.

Again, the particular arrangement is particularly desirable in that onlyone combination first and second interlock and strut 300 need be used tolock the bed extender in place. The other side can utilize the standardmounting bracket 120. This is desirable not only from an assembly andcost standpoint, but also facilitates the unlocking of the extender. Inthis regard, it is further significant that the lock mechanism utilizeddoes not need to be retracted to avoid damage to the side panel of avehicle during the locking operation.

FIGS. 46–51 illustrate an alternative lock consisting of a first andsecond interlock for securing the extender to the tailgate or bed of thetruck. As shown in FIG. 46, the first interlock portion or clamp 363 isaffixed to the bumper strut 182. The clamp 363 connects to the secondinterlock portion or latch or bar 364, which is attached to distal endof the tailgate 365 when the extender is in position over the tailgate,as illustrated in FIG. 46. A third interlock portion 364, identical tothe second interlock portion, may also be attached to the bed of thetruck 366 when the extender is used to form a rear storage compartmentas in FIG. 47.

FIG. 48 included an enlarged view of the clamp 363. The clamp 363 has anopening 366 to accommodate the bar 364. The opening 366 in the clamp 363includes a first portion 368 forming a narrow opening and a secondportion 367 defining a slot sizable enough to accommodate the bar 364.The clamp 363 is perferably made of a resilient material so that thefirst portion 368 can expand to allow the bar 364 to enter the receiverslot 367 defined by the second portion. Thus some force must be appliedto connect the clamp 363 to the bar 364.

FIG. 49 is a perspective view of the clamp 363 and the bar 364. As canbe seen, the bar consists of two flat mounting portions 370 that willserve as the attachment points to the tailgate or bed of the truck and araised portion 369 to which the clamp 363 attaches. FIG. 50 shows thatthe bar 364 has two holes 371 which allow the bar 364 to be screwed orbolted to a surface.

Advantageously, the alternative first 363 and second 364 interlock allowthe extender to be secured while in use. This reduces unwanted vibrationor noise and should prevent unwanted movement of the extender.Importantly, the extender can be simply secured using this lock bysimply pressing down on the extender when it is in position. Similarly,pushing up on the extender will release the fastener.

While the invention has been described with reference to certainpreferred embodiments, many variations are possible and those of skillin the art will appreciate various modifications within the scope andspirit of the invention.

1. A vehicle bed extender for use with a vehicle having an open storagebed having a rear end, a first upstanding side panel to one side of saidbed having an inner side having a lower end and an upper end, a secondupstanding side panel to an opposite side of said bed having an innerside and a tailgate, a first mounting station fixed with respect to saidfirst upstanding panel defining a first station surface, a secondmounting station fixed with respect to said second upstanding paneldefining a second station surface, said extender comprising: a firstside wall; a second side wall; a connecting wall extending between saidfirst side wall and said second side wall, said first side wall, saidsecond side wall and said connecting wall cooperating to form agenerally U-shaped frame having a first open side and a second openside; a first mount on said first side wall comprising a firstinterlocking member defining a first mount surface; and a second mounton said second side wall comprising a second interlocking memberdefining a second mount surface, said first station surface and saidfirst mount surface, and said second station surface and said secondmount surface cooperating to secure said extender to said vehicle sothat said extender is in an upright position over said tailgate rearwardof said rear end of said bed with said first open side facing away fromsaid tailgate and said second open side facing toward said tailgate, andat least a portion of said side wall extends at least the majority ofthe distance between said upper end and said lower end of said firstpanel, and wherein one of said first station surface and said firstmount surface defines a first opening through which the other of saidfirst station surface and said first mount surface can be withdrawn fromsaid inner side of said first panel to disengage said extender from saidfirst panel and one of said second station surface and said second mountsurface defines a second opening through which the other of said secondstation surface and said second mount surface can be withdrawn from saidinner side of said second panel to disengage said extender from saidsecond panel, wherein said first mount forms a single piece with saidportion of said side wall.
 2. A vehicle bed extender for use with avehicle having an open storage bed having a rear end, a first upstandingside panel to one side of said bed, a second upstanding side panel to anopposite side of said bed and a tailgate, a first mounting station fixedwith respect to said first upstanding panel, a second mounting stationfixed with respect to said second upstanding panel, the vehicle bedextender comprising a first sidewall a second side wall; a connectingwall extending between said first side wall and said second side wallsuch that said first side wall, said second side wall, and saidconnecting wall cooperate to form a generally U-shaped frame a firstmount secured to said first side wall; and a second mount secured tosaid second side wall, the vehicle bed extender configured such that:said first side wall and said second side wall are positionable betweensaid first side panel and said second side panel, such that said firstmounting station of said first side panel engages one of said firstmount of said first side wall and said second mount of said second sidewall, and said second mounting station of said second side panel engagesthe other of said first mount of said first side wall and said secondmount of said second side wall, so that said bed extender is in a firstmounting position with said connecting wall in a substantially verticalposition over said tailgate rearward of said rear end of said bed andsaid extender provides access from above to a space between said firstside wall and said second side wall; and said bed extender is configuredto be moveable from said first mounting position such that said firstside wall and said second side wall are positioned between said firstside panel and said second side panel, such that said first mountingstation of said first side panel engages one of said first mount of saidfirst side wall and said second mount of said second side wall, and saidsecond mounting station of said second side panel engages the other ofsaid first mount of said first side wall and said second mount of saidsecond side wall, so that said bed extender is in a second mountingposition with said connecting wall in a substantially vertical positionover said bed forward of said rear end with said first side wall andsaid second side wall extending forward toward the connecting wall andsaid extender provides access from above to a space between said firstside wall and said second side wall; wherein when said bed extender isin said first mounting position, said first mounting station of saidfirst side panel engages said first mount of first side wall and saidsecond mounting station of said second side panel engages said secondmount of said second side wall, and in said second mounting positionsaid first mounting station of said first side panel engages said firstmount of said first side wall and said second mounting station of saidsecond side panel engages said second mount of said second side wall. 3.The vehicle bed extender of claim 2, wherein said first mount isconfigured to be securable relative to said first mounting station andsaid second mount is configured to be securable relative to said secondmounting station, such that said vehicle bed extender is configured tobe securable against release.
 4. A vehicle bed extender for use with avehicle having an open storage bed having a rear end, a first upstandingside panel to one side of said bed, a second upstanding side panel to anopposite side of said bed and a tailgate, a first mounting station fixedwith respect to said first upstanding panel, a second mounting stationfixed with respect to said second upstanding panel, the vehicle bedextender comprising: a first side wall a second side wall; a connectingwall extending between said first side wall and said second side wallsuch that said first side wall, said second side wall, and saidconnecting wall cooperate to form a generally U-shaped frame; a firstmount secured to said first side wall; and a second mount secured tosaid second side wall, the vehicle bed extender configured such that;said first side wall and said second side wall are positionable betweensaid first side panel and said second side panel, such that said firstmounting station of said first side panel engages one of said firstmount of said first side wall and said second mount of said second sidewall, and said second mounting station of said second side panel engagesthe other of said first mount of said first side wall and said secondmount of said second side wall, so that said bed extender is in a firstmounting position with said connecting wall in a substantially verticalposition over said tailgate rearward of said rear end of said bed andsaid extender provides access from above to a space between said firstside wall and said second side wall; and said bed extender is configuredto be moveable from said first mounting position such that said firstside wall and said second side wall are positioned between said firstside panel and said second side panel, such that said first mountingstation of said first side panel engages one of said first mount of saidfirst side wall and said second mount of said second side wall, and saidsecond mounting station of said second side panel engages the other ofsaid first mount of said first side wall and said second mount of saidsecond side wall, so that said bed extender is in a second mountingposition with said connecting wall in a substantially vertical positionover said bed forward of said rear end with said first side wall andsaid second side wall extending forward toward the connecting wall andsaid extender provides access from above to a space between said firstside wall and said second side wall; wherein said bed extender isconfigurable to be moveable from said first mounting position to saidsecond mounting position by a process including rotating said bedextender about an axis.
 5. A vehicle bed extender for use with a vehiclehaving an open storage bed having a rear end, a first upstanding sidepanel to one side of said bed, a second upstanding side panel to anopposite side of said bed and a tailgate, a first mounting station fixedwith respect to said first upstanding panel, a second mounting stationfixed with respect to said second upstanding panel, the vehicle bedextender comprising: a first side wall; a second side wall; a connectingwall extending between said first side wall and said second side wallsuch that said first side wall, said second side wall, and saidconnecting wall cooperate to form a generally U-shaped frame; a firstmount secured to said first side wall; and a second mount secured tosaid second side wall, the vehicle bed extender. configured such that:said first side wall and said second side wall are positionable betweensaid first side panel and said second side panel, such that said firstmounting station of said first side panel engages one of said firstmount of said first side wall and said second mount of said second sidewall, and said second mounting station of said second side panel engagesthe other of said first mount of said first side wall and said secondmount of said second side wall, so that said bed extender is in a firstmounting position with said connecting wall in a substantially verticalposition over said tailgate rearward of said rear end of said bed andsaid extender provides access from above to a space between said firstside wall and said second side wall; and said bed extender is configuredto be moveable from said first mounting position such that said firstside wall and said second side wall are positioned between said firstside panel and said second side panel, such that said first mountingstation of said first side panel engages one of said first mount of saidfirst side wall and said second mount of said second side wall, and saidsecond mounting station of said second side panel engages the other ofsaid first mount of said first side wall and said second mount of saidsecond side wall, so that said bed extender is in a second mountingposition with said connecting wall in a substantially vertical positionover said bed forward of said rear end with said first side wall andsaid second side wall extending forward toward the connecting wall andsaid extender provides access from above to a space between said firstside wall and said side wall; wherein said bed extender is configured tobe moveable from said first mounting position to said second mountingposition by a process including separating said first mounting stationof said first side panel from said one of said first mount of said firstside wall and said second mount of said second side wall, and separatingsaid second mounting station of said second side panel from the other ofsaid first mount of said first side wall and said second mount of saidsecond side wall.
 6. A vehicle bed extender for use with a vehiclehaving an open storage bed having a rear end, a first upstanding sidepanel to one side of said bed, a second upstanding side panel to anopposite side of said bed and a tailgate, a first mounting station fixedwith respect to said first upstanding panel, a second mounting stationfixed with respect to said second upstanding panel, the vehicle bedextender comprising: a first side wall; a second side wall; a connectingwall extending between said first side wall and said second side wallsuch That said first side wall, said second side wall, and saidconnecting wall cooperate to form a generally U-shaped frame; a firstmount secured to said first side wall; and a second mount secured tosaid second side wall, the vehicle bed extender configured such that:said first side wall and said second side wall are positionable betweensaid first side panel and said second side panel, such that said firstmounting station of said first side panel, said second mounting stationof said second side panel, said first mount, and said second mountcooperate such that said bed extender is in a first mounting positionwith said connecting wall in a substantially vertical position aver saidtailgate rearward of said rear end of said bed and said extenderprovides access from above to a space between said first side wall andsaid second side wall; and said bed extender is configured to bemoveable from said first mounting position such that said first sidewall and said second side wall are positioned between said first sidepanel and said second side panel, such that said first mounting stationof said first side panel, said second mounting station of said secondside panel, said first mount, and said second mount cooperate such thatsaid bed extender is in a second mounting position with said connectingwall in a substantially vertical position over said bed forward of saidrear end with said first side wall and said second side wall extendingforward toward the connecting wall and said extender provides accessfrom above to a space between said first side wall and said second sidewall.
 7. The vehicle bed extender of claim 6, wherein when said bedextender is in said first mounting position, said first mounting stationof said first side panel engages said first mount of said first sidewall and said second mounting station of said second side panel engagessaid second mount of said second side wall.
 8. The vehicle bed extenderof claim 6, wherein when said bed extender is in said second mountingposition, said first mounting station of said first side panel engagessaid first mount of said first side wall and said second mountingstation of said second side panel engages said second mount of saidsecond side wall.
 9. The vehicle bed extender of claim 7, wherein saidbed extender is configurable to be moveable from said first mountingposition to said second mounting position by a process includingrotating said bed extender about an axis.
 10. The vehicle bed extenderof claim 7, wherein said bed extender is configured to be moveable fromsaid first mounting position to said second mounting position by aprocess including separating said first mounting station of said firstside panel from said first mount of said first side wall and separatingsaid second mounting station of said second side panel from said secondmount of said second side wall.
 11. A method for an individual to mounta vehicle bed extender on a vehicle having an open storage bed having arear end, a first upstanding side panel to one side of said bed, asecond upstanding side panel to an opposite side of said bed and atailgate, a first mounting station fixed with respect to said firstupstanding panel, a second mounting station fixed with respect to saidsecond upstanding panel, the method comprising: providing a generallyU-shaped vehicle bed extender, said vehicle bed extender having a firstside wall, a second side wall, a connecting wall extending between saidfirst side wall and said second side wall, a first mount secured to saidfirst side wall, and a second mount secured to said second side wall;positioning said first side wall and said second side wall between saidfirst side panel and said second side panel, such that said firstmounting station of said first side panel engages one of said firstmount of said first side wall and said second mount of said second sidewall, and said second mounting station of said second side panel engagesthe other of said first mount of said first side wall and said secondmount of said second side wall, so that said bed extender is in a firstmounting position with said connecting wall in a substantially verticalposition over said tailgate rearward of said rear end of said bed andsaid extender provides access from above to a space between said firstside wall and said second side wall; and moving said bed extender fromsaid first mounting position and positioning said first side wall andsaid second side wall between said first side panel and said second sidepanel, such that said first mounting station of said first side panelengages one of said first mount of said first side wall and said secondmount of said second side wall, and said second mounting station of saidsecond side panel engages the other of said first mount of said firstside wail and said second mount of said second side wall, so that saidbed extender is in a second mounting position with said connecting wallin a substantially vertical position over said bed forward of said rearend with said first side wall and said second side wall extendingforward toward the connecting wall and said extender provides accessfrom above to said space between said first side wall and said secondside wall.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein in said first mountingposition, said first mounting station of said first side panel engagessaid first mount of said first side wall and said second mountingstation of said second side panel engages said second mount of saidsecond side wall, and in said second mounting position said firstmounting station of said first side panel engages said first mount ofsaid first side wall and said second mounting station of said secondside panel engages said second mount of said second side wall.
 13. Themethod of claim 12, further comprising securing said first mountrelative to said first mounting station and securing said second mountrelative to said second mounting station, such that said vehicle bedextender is secured against release.
 14. The method of claim 11, whereinsaid moving said bed extender from said first mounting positioncomprises rotating said bed extender about an axis.
 15. The method ofclaim 11, wherein said moving said bed extender from said first mountingposition comprises separating said first mounting station of said firstside panel from said one of said first mount of said first side wall andsaid second mount of said second side wall, and separating said secondmounting station of said second side panel from the other of said firstmount of said first side wall and said second mount of said second sidewall.
 16. A vehicle bed extender for use with a vehicle having an openstorage bed having a rear end, a first upstanding side panel to one sideof said bed, a second upstanding side panel to an opposite side of saidbed, and a tailgate, said bed extender mountable in a first position inwhich said bed extender includes: a first side wall and a second sidewall positioned between said first side panel and said second side panelsuch that a first mount attaches said first side wall to said vehicleand a second mount attaches said second side wall to said vehicle insaid first position with a connecting wall which connects said firstside wall and said second side wall, said connecting wall in asubstantially vertical position over said tailgate rearward of said rearend of said bed and said extender provides access from above to a spacebetween said first side wall and said second side wall; and said bedextender is moveable from said first position to a second position withsaid bed extender positioned between said first side panel and saidsecond side panel such that said first mount attaches said first sidewall to said vehicle and said second mount attaches said second sidewall to said vehicle with said connecting wall in a substantiallyvertical position over said bed forward of said rear end with said firstside wall and said second side wall extending forward toward theconnecting wall and, with said tailgate closed, said extender providesaccess from above to a space between said first side wall and saidsecond side wall.
 17. The bed extender of claim 16, wherein saidconnecting wall comprises at least two separable portions.
 18. The bedextender of claim 16, wherein said bed extender is moveable from saidfirst position to said second position without detachment of said firstside wall from said vehicle and without detachment of said second sidewall from said vehicle.
 19. The bed extender of claim 17, wherein saidbed extender is moveable from said first position to said secondposition without detachment of said first side wall from said vehicleand without detachment of said second side wall from said vehicle. 20.The bed extender of claim 16, wherein said connecting wall comprises aplurality of tubular members.
 21. The bed extender of claim 17, whereinsaid connecting wall comprises a plurality of tubular members.
 22. Thebed extender of claim 18, wherein said connecting wall comprises aplurality of tubular members.
 23. The bed extender of claim 16, whereinsaid connecting wall defines a plurality of openings that allow air topass through said connecting wall.
 24. The bed extender of claim 17,wherein said connecting wall defines a plurality of openings that allowair to pass through said connecting wall.
 25. The bed extender of claim18, wherein said connecting wall defines a plurality of openings thatallow air to pass through said connecting wall.
 26. The bed extender ofclaim 20, wherein said connecting wall defines a plurality of openingsthat allow air to pass through said connecting wall.
 27. A method ofmoving a vehicle bed extender for use with a vehicle having an openstorage bed having a rear end, a first upstanding side panel to one sideof said bed, a second upstanding side panel to an opposite side of saidbed, and a tailgate, the method comprising: positioning said bedextender in a first position in which said bed extender includes a firstside wall and a second side wall positioned between said first sidepanel and said second side panel such that a first mount attaches saidfirst side wall to said vehicle and a second mount attaches said secondside wall to said vehicle in said first position with a connecting wallwhich connects said first side wall and said second side wall, saidconnecting wall in a substantially vertical position over said tailgaterearward of said rear end of said bed and said extender provides accessfrom above to a space between said first side wall and said second sidewall; and moving said bed extender from said first position to a secondposition with said bed extender positioned between said first side paneland said second side panel such that said first mount attaches saidfirst side wall to said vehicle and said second mount attaches saidsecond side wall to said vehicle with said connecting wall in asubstantially vertical position over said bed forward of said rear endwith said first side wall and said second side wall extending forwardtoward the connecting wall and, with said tailgate closed, said extenderprovides access from above to a space between said first side wall andsaid second side wall.
 28. The method of claim 27, further comprisingproviding said bed extender with said connecting wall comprising atleast two separable portions and adjusting the position of saidseparable portions relative one another.
 29. The method of claim 27,wherein said moving said bed extender from said first position to saidsecond position does not require detachment of said first side wall fromsaid vehicle and does not require detachment of said second side wallfrom said vehicle.
 30. The method claim 28, wherein said moving said bedextender from said first position to said second position does notrequire detachment of said first side wall from said vehicle and doesnot require detachment of said second side wall from said vehicle. 31.The method of claim 27, further comprising providing said bed extenderwith said connecting wall comprising a plurality of tubular members. 32.The method of claim 28, further comprising providing said bed extenderwith said connecting wall comprising a plurality of tubular members. 33.The method of claim 29, further comprising providing said bed extenderwith said connecting wall comprising a plurality of tubular members. 34.The method of claim 27, further comprising providing said bed extenderwith said connecting wall defining a plurality of openings that allowair to pass through said connecting wall.
 35. The method of claim 28,further comprising providing said bed extender with said connecting walldefining a plurality of openings that allow air to pass through saidconnecting wall.
 36. The method of claim 29, further comprisingproviding said bed extender with said connecting wall defining aplurality of openings that allow air to pass through said connectingwall.
 37. The method of claim 31, further comprising providing said bedextender with said connecting wall defining a plurality of openings thatallow air to pass through said connecting wall.